I Returned Live After They Kill Me: The Girl They Marked
1
The shrill sound of an alarm echoed through the quiet apartment.
Aria Cartaer
*Turning off her alarm* Five already...
She sat up with a tired sigh. Another day had begun, and another long list of responsibilities was waiting for her.
The familiar hum of a sewing machine drifted in from the living room.
Aria Cartaer
*walking out of her room* Mum?
Sophia Carter
sewing a dress Morning, sweetheart.
Aria stopped beside the sewing table and looked at the pile of unfinished dresses.
Aria Cartaer
*folding her arms* Don't tell me you've been working all night again.
Sophia Carter
*smile calmly* Only until I finished a few orders.
Aria Cartaer
*Raising an eyebrow* A few?
Aria Cartaer
You said that yesterday too.
Sophia laughed quietly and kept sewing.
Sophia Carter
*Teasing* You're starting to sound like my mother.
A smile appeared on Aria's face, but it quickly faded when she noticed the tiny cuts on Sophia's fingers.
Aria Cartaer
*Looking at her mother's hands* They're bleeding again.
Sophia Carter
*Pulling her hands back* They're just little scratches.
Aria Cartaer
*Sigh softly* You always say that.
A brief silence filled the room.
Sophia pointed towards the small dining table.
Sophia Carter
*Nodding toward breakfast* Eat before it gets cold.
Aria walked over and looked at the meal.
Aria Cartaer
*sitting down* One day, breakfast will be a lot better than this.
Sophia Carter
*Smiling warmly* As long as we're eating together, I'm happy.
That was exactly how her mother was.
She never complained, no matter how difficult life became.
After finishing breakfast, Aria picked up her backpack.
Aria Cartaer
*Checking the time on her phone* I have to go.
Aria Cartaer
I'll be late for work.
Sophia Carter
*Standing up* The café first?
Sophia Carter
*Nodded* Then the bookstore.
Sophia Carter
Then the convenience store tonight.
Sophia Carter
*peaking gently* Three jobs are too much for one person.
Aria Cartaer
*Smiling confidently* It's only temporary...
Aria Cartaer
We'll have a better life soon.
Sophia stepped closer and straightened Aria's collar.
*Softly* Just promise you'll take care of yourself too.
Aria Cartaer
*Hugging her mother* I promise.
Aria Cartaer
You won't have to work this hard anymore.
2
The morning rush had already begun by the time Aria reached the café.
She quickly tied her apron and got behind the counter.
Mrs. Wilson — *arranging coffee cups* Good morning, Aria.
Mrs. Wilson—You're early again.
Aria Cartaer
*Smiling politely* Good morning, Mrs. Wilson.
Aria Cartaer
I'd rather be early than keep customers waiting.
Mrs. Wilson — *Shaking her head* If only everyone thought like you.
The café became busier with every passing minute.
Fresh pastries disappeared from the shelves.
Aria moved from one task to another without stopping.
Mrs. Wilson — *Handing over an order slip* Table seven needs another latte.
Aria Cartaer
*Take the slip* I'll bring it right away.
She carried the drinks across the café before returning behind the counter.
Her phone vibrated inside her pocket.
She glanced at the screen but didn't answer.
Another vibration followed seconds later.
Mrs. Wilson — *Noticing her phone* Your friend seems determined today.
Aria Cartaer
*Put her phone away* She can be very persistent.
Aria Cartaer
Mrs. Wilson — *Smiling knowingly* Then she's probably a good friend.
Aria Cartaer
*Aria smiled.*
Mia had always been there whenever life became difficult.
The morning passed quickly.
Before she noticed, the wall clock showed the end of her shift.
Aria Cartaer
*Removing her apron* Thanks for today.
Mrs. Wilson — *Packing a paper bag* Take these sandwiches.
They'll go to waste otherwise.
Aria Cartaer
*Shaking her head* You don't have to—
Mrs. Wilson — *Interrupting with a smile* I know.
Mrs. Wilson— But I want to.
Aria Cartaer
*Aria accepted the bag with both hands.*
Aria Cartaer
*Smile gratefully* Thank you.
Aria Cartaer
I'll tell Mum you said hello.
Mrs. Wilson— *Waving goodbye* And tell her to stop working so hard.
Aria Cartaer
*Aria laughed softly.*
Aria Cartaer
If only it were that easy.
She stepped outside and checked the time.
Only a few minutes remained before her next job.
She adjusted her backpack and hurried toward the bus stop.
One dream And no room for failure.
3
Aria returned home after finishing her last shift.
The sound of the sewing machine greeted her again.
Aria Cartaer
*Place her backpack on the sofa* Mum... you're still working?
Sophia Carter
*Keep her eyes on the fabric* I only have two dresses left.
Aria Cartaer
*Sigh* You said that this morning.
Sophia Carter
*Smile* And now it's true.
Aria noticed a small medicine bottle beside the sewing machine.
Aria Cartaer
*Pick it up* You forgot your medicine again.
Sophia Carter
*Look away* I wasn't feeling that bad.
Aria Cartaer
*Speak gently* Mum...
Aria Cartaer
You promised me.
Sophia Carter
*Sophia finally stopped sewing.*
Sophia Carter
*Take the medicine* Happy now?
Aria Cartaer
*Smiling* Much happier.
Sophia Carter
*Sophia swallowed the tablet and looked at her daughter.*
Sophia Carter
*Changing the subject* How was work?
Aria Cartaer
*Sit down* Busy.
Aria Cartaer
But Mrs. Wilson packed sandwiches for us again.
Sophia Carter
*Laugh softly* She's too kind.
Aria Cartaer
*Take out the paper bag* She said you should stop working so hard.
Sophia Carter
*Pretend to think* Tell her I'll consider it.
Aria couldn't help laughing.
Then she looked at the old sewing machine.
It had been in the family for years.
Aria Cartaer
*Speaking quietly* One day.
Aria Cartaer
I'm buying you a new one.
Sophia Carter
*Shake her head with a smile* I don't need a new machine.
Aria Cartaer
*Looking at her seriously* Then I'll buy you freedom instead.
A smile slowly spread across her face.
Sophia Carter
*Reaching for Aria's hand* That's all I've ever wanted for you too.
Aria Cartaer
*Aria squeezed her mother's hand.*
No matter how hard life became...
She would never stop fighting for that promise.
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